Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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49. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has considered increasing supports to foster carers; her views on whether the sector is in need of reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15216/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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At the end of December 2016, 82% (3,376/4,134) of foster carers had a link worker and 92% (5,374/5,817) of children in foster care had an allocated social worker. It is important to note that if a child has not been allocated a social worker, their needs are reviewed regularly by the principal social worker.

The additional funding of €37 million which has been secured for Tusla in 2017 will provide increased resources to meet service demands which will include the recruitment of additional social workers.

Tusla is currently developing a new Strategy for children in care, including foster care - which will include areas of reform.

It is vital that all children in care, and their carers, receive adequate support to ensure a successful placement. Foster care is the main form of alternative care for children in need of care and protection, and is the preferred option for children who cannot live with their parent(s)/guardian(s). At the end of December 2016, there were 6,258 children in care in Ireland. 93% (5,817) of these children were cared for in foster placements. The majority of children are in the care of general foster carers. At the end of December 2016, 66% (4,102) of children in care were in a general foster care placement, and 27% (1,715) were in foster care with relatives.

A key support to be provided to children in care include a dedicated Social Worker to ensure a care plan is put in place. This may include plans for access to family members where appropriate. It will also deal with school placement and referrals to other services.

Tusla provides funding to the Irish Foster Care Association which provides supports to carers, including training and a phone advice service. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I am due to meet with representatives from the Irish Foster Care Association tomorrow where the difficulties experienced by foster carers will be further explored.

Tusla faces some challenges, however, in securing specialised foster care placements for children with a disability, behaviour problems or for older children. Tusla has an active procurement policy to ensure it can access specialist foster care services to meet the specific needs of individual children.